Gateway to Milwaukee

19th January 2010

Cudahy Joins Initiative to Promote Business Growth around the Airport
Submitted By Rachel Mosey
Posted: Dec. 18, 2009

The City of Cudahy is joining forces with other municipalities, organizations and businesses to foster economic development and job growth around General Mitchell International Airport.

Called the Milwaukee Gateway Aerotropolis, the mission of the new non-profit corporation is to “link the region’s air, rail, road and shipping transportation capabilities. The public-private partnership will focus on the creation and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to generate the growth of business and communities around the airport.”

The Cudahy Common Council adopted a resolution this week in support of the Gateway Aerotropolis. The partnership is being formed out of the Airport Area Economic Development Task Force, which has been meeting for the past two years.

“It is in the best interest of all communities around General Mitchell Airport to back the unification and growth of businesses and infrastructure surrounding the airport,” said Cudahy Mayor Ryan McCue. “Aerotropolises have been and continue to be developed around some of the largest airports in the world, including Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Hong Kong and Paris.”

The Milwaukee Gateway Aerotropolis is seeking the support of representatives from eight municipalities, as well as officials from the airport, the Port of Milwaukee, businesses and business associations, civic and labor organizations and the state and federal government.

The Airport Gateway Business Association (AGBA) Board of Directors has authorized the appropriation of up to $15,000 in start-up costs for the Gateway Aerotropolis. Lara Fritts, the Director of the City of Cudahy Department of Economic Development, serves on the board.

Gateway leaders say Dr. John Kasarda will assist with the creation of an economic development plan. Dr. Kasarda has published more than 100 articles and nine books on aviation infrastructure, economic development, competitiveness and commercial real estate. He also is Director of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.